The Hellenic Society of Hematology has issued an official warning regarding the use of non-scientific “regenerative” therapies in Greece following the death of popular Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis.
The untimely death of Mazonakis has brought to light the issue of the so-called alternative therapies, provided, in many cases, by people with no degree in Medicine.
According to the Hellenic Society of Hematology statement, “the incident took place at a private clinic known as a ‘Stem Cell Clinic.’ Bone marrow stem cells—referred to in Greek as *stelechiaia* or *archegona aimopoiitika kyttara* (hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells)—have the ability to replenish blood on a daily basis. These cells are used in specialized hospital settings for bone marrow transplants performed by hematologists on patients with leukemia and other hematological disorders.
“Stem cells regenerate blood exclusively and no other body tissue. Any other use of them is scientifically unsubstantiated and potentially dangerous,” The Hellenic Society of Hematology also notes that plasmapheresis—the procedure for which Giorgos Mazonakis visited the clinic—is performed using specialized equipment in a hospital setting by trained personnel and is primarily utilized by hematologists and neurologists.
‘Plasmapheresis affects the cardiovascular system’
“(Plasmapheresis) is used to remove pathological antibodies from the blood in order to treat autoimmune diseases. Plasmapheresis carries side effects, primarily affecting the cardiovascular system, with hypotension and heart rhythm disturbances being the most common. Unfortunately, amidst the proliferation of medical pseudoscience these days, plasmapheresis is often marketed as a method for ‘detoxifica tion,’ ‘wellness,’ and ‘longevity.’ None of these claims are supported by clinical studies,” the statement reads.
The Hellenic Society of Hematology had already sounded the alarm regarding “services offered to the public without oversight” in a 2019 letter addressed to the National Organization for Medicines (EOF), the Hellenic Transplant Organization (EOM), and the Ministry of Health. The letter highlighted the risks associated with the promotion and advertising of unproven or insufficiently substantiated cell therapies in the country and called for an immediate investigation into facilities offering unauthorized cell therapies, the strengthening of regulatory oversight, and the official informing of the public about potential risks.
Τhe Hellenic Society of Hematology is calling for the Greek State to provide, through the EOF, clear data regarding the scientific validity and evidence base of the “regenerative” therapies being offered.
Medical associations responsible for issuing operating licenses to medical practices should rigorously scrutinize the scientific background and competence of applicants and monitor their members’ activities—at least on a sample basis.
For their part, scientific societies have a duty to publish their scientifically validated positions regarding treatments advertised as “miraculous.” Citizens should be particularly skeptical and seek out official sources rather than promotional material to be clearly informed.
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